National Geographic
Meet nature's master builder—and one of its most effective firefighters: the beaver. With a few well-placed sticks and a lot of determination, these ecosystem engineers reshape entire landscapes. Their dams slow water, green the land, and help protect habitats from wildfire. In Idaho and California, land managers and tribal partners are following the beavers' blueprint, constructing "beaver dam analogs" that mimic their work. These structures help rehydrate fire-scarred landscapes, trap debris, and set the stage for recovery—like for the Baugh Creek watershed which has been restored in the aftermath of the 2018 Sharps fire, which burned 65,000 acres. Of course, this wisdom runs deep. Indigenous communities have long recognized the beaver's role as a steward of water and life. Blackfeet environmental historian Rosalyn LaPier notes that the tribe reveres beavers as divine beings—able to speak with humans and honored for the oases they create. Learn more about these incredible engineers at the link in bio. Photographs by @Ronan_Donovan and @KholoodEid
6 hours ago
Sometimes, there are natural solutions to natural disasters. Which other critters could we take tips from?
6 hours ago
They are so adorable and hard working 😍❤️🦫
6 hours ago
❤️❤️
6 hours ago
Nice
6 hours ago
Beavers rock!
6 hours ago
@seba_crohare
6 hours ago
🔥❤️❤️
5 hours ago
I’m a smart person, I just do stupid things 🌺🙈
6 hours ago
😮
6 hours ago
Everything s beautifull
6 hours ago
❤️❤️🔥
5 hours ago
❤️
6 hours ago
God bless 🙏🏽✝️🔒
6 hours ago
They are so cute ❤️
4 hours ago
😍